Process
Competitive Process
Procurement open to multiple suppliers, publicly advertised and awarded on published criteria.
Competition is the default in Canadian public procurement. Requirements above defined thresholds must generally be advertised publicly and awarded against criteria published in advance.
The thresholds themselves vary by trade agreement and are revised periodically, so they should be checked against the current official source rather than remembered. What is stable is the principle: above the applicable threshold, expect an open process; below it, expect buyers to have more discretion.
Related terms
- Sole SourceAwarding a contract without competition, permitted only in defined circumstances.
- Trade AgreementsDomestic and international agreements that govern how public procurement above certain values must be conducted.
- Evaluation CriteriaThe published basis on which bids will be assessed and compared, including how technical merit and price are combined.
See this term in a real tender
Search current federal opportunities and read a live notice with this definition in mind.
This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.